ALBAWABA – The United Arab Emirates is considering building a second nuclear power plant to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the country as reported by Reuters.
UAE has a current population of nearly 10 million people and has become enthusiastic about nuclear energy, as part of its quest to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment. It is worth mentioning that the UAE established its first nuclear power plant in 2021.
The new nuclear power plant is expected to cost around tens of billions of dollars. The government is anticipating offers from China, Russia, and the US.
UAE announces establishing a second nuclear power plant (Shutterstock)
UAE government believes the next ten years will see a significant rise in the demand for energy due to population growth and industrial sector expansion, thus the government studied the option of establishing a new nuclear power plant.
UAE and nuclear energy
In 2009, UAE awarded Korea Electric Power Corporation a $20 billion contract to design, construct, and run four reactors in Abu Dhabi, close to the Saudi Arabian border. Korea Electric Power Corporation is still running the project with Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation. UAE signed another nuclear energy cooperation deal with the US in 2009.
UAE says its nuclear program is purely harmless and it aims to reduce oil usage. UAE always stressed on avoiding enriched uranium, which is used by many to create nuclear bombs.
